White House releases "The Year in Photographs, 2012"

These images are part of a collection released Jan. 3 by Pete Souza, the official White House photographer. Souza and his team have unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to President Barack Obama, his family and staff. Souza tweeted out a link to the 80 photos on the White House Flickr stream, noting many new ones are included. "Let me know if you have a favorite," Souza said. Do you?

July 22, 2012: "The President hugs Stephanie Davies, who helped keep her friend, Allie Young, left, stay alive after she was shot during the movie theater shootings in Aurora, Colo. The President visited patients and family members affected by the shootings at the University of Colorado Hospital. The President later told their story in a news conference." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 22, 2012: "The President hugs Stephanie Davies, who helped keep her friend, Allie Young, left, stay alive after she was shot during the movie theater shootings in Aurora, Colo. The President visited patients and family members affected by the shootings at the University of Colorado Hospital. The President later told their story in a news conference." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)